Ethical practice and safeguarding

The University of York expects the highest standards in the conduct of all research undertaken in its name, on its premises, and using its facilities.

Involvement@York will always work with you and other public contributors to research in a way that is ethical, appropriate, and mutually beneficial. 

We also support University of York researchers to work with you in this way too. 

Our practice is continuously underpinned by the principle of the avoidance of harm.  

We cannot however remove or reduce the risk of harm altogether and instead work to identify potential risks, and implement strategies to mitigate or manage those risks.

We continually review and improve our practice by working in partnership with the University’s Academic Ethics and Compliance Committee and department-level ethics committees.

It is also important that you think carefully about becoming involved in any research involvement activity as a public contributor to research and consider whether you would feel safe and comfortable doing so. 

This is especially important with respect to sensitive research areas or topics. 

If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Where appropriate, we will work with you to implement additional safeguarding strategies. 

We also welcome any other questions you may have about ethics and safeguarding in relation to public involvement in research and other participatory research methods.